How Seasonal Changes Affect Your Tyres
Tyres are among the most important components of any road vehicle. They need to be pliant enough to absorb all of the tiny imperfections in the road surface, and to provide sufficient grip. They also need to have tread sufficiently deep that standing water can be effectively moved away from the bottom of the vehicle.
Tyres cannot do these jobs indefinitely, however. As the miles mount up, the rubber that makes up a tyre will gradually wear away. And the changing seasons will also take their toll in several different ways. Let’s consider a few of them.
How Heat Affects Your Tyres in Summer
The main problem caused by hot weather is the expansion of the air within a tyre. As this air heats up, it will put more pressure on the tyre from within. This can increase the likelihood of a blowout, especially if the tyre in question is already inflated to a high pressure.
The Dangers of Cold Weather on Tyres in Winter
Cold weather poses a very different problem. As the temperature drops, the rubber that makes up a tyre will become stiffer. This will prevent it from spreading out over the underlying road surface while the car is in motion. As well as reducing traction, this will cause the tyre to be at greater risk of a puncture.
Year-Round Tire Maintenance for Seasonal Transitions
To give your tyres the best chance of coping with the changing weather, you might swap them regularly. This is particularly important if you’re regularly travelling very long distances. Look for a local fitter. If you’re driving in Bedfordshire, for example, you might look for a tyre fitter in Luton.
It’s also vital that your tyres are appropriately inflated. Keep track of your pressures, and make a habit of reinflating every so often.
Why You Should Switch to Winter Tyres in Cold Climates
Winter tyres get around the problems associated with cold weather in several ways. First, they are made from rubber that’s been formulated to deal with low temperatures. These tyres will remain springy and pliant, even when it’s freezing outside. This will improve your grip.
Winter tyres also tend to come with deeper treads. This will allow them to more easily move standing water (and snow) away from the bottom of the tyre, reducing the risk of the driver losing control.
How Wet and Snowy Conditions Affect Tyre Performance
When the road is wet, your stopping distance could double. When the road is icy, it could increase by a factor of ten.
It’s also worth thinking about the pattern of your tread. Most vehicles have symmetrical tread, but high-performance sports cars will tend to benefit from a directional tread pattern – or one that’s different on one side than on the other.